FC Tucson Signs Six More Players

April 24, 2014

Three all-conference selections make up most recent group to join team

Tucson, AZ (Thursday, April 24, 2014) — Today, FC Tucson announced the signing of six more players, with five of them wearing an FC Tucson jersey for the first time: midfielders Juan De Rada, Ivan Gutierrez and Vance Rookwood; and forwards Clark Phillips and Christian Volesky. Goalkeeper Billy Thompson also joins the team but has one start with FC Tucson.

“Both Rick and I are excited about adding these five players with proven attacking prowess,” said FC Tucson General manager Jon Pearlman. “Billy Thompson is another example of the quality we have been fortunate enough to have between the posts at FC Tucson. He, as well as these other players, will have a great opportunity to show their talent this summer.

Juan De Rada, a Second-Team All-West Coast Conference selection, played in 19 matches for Loyola Marymount and scored four goals while tallying five assists. He helped Loyola Marymount win the West Coast Conference Championship and reach the NCAA Tournament.

Ivan Gutierrez finished his freshman season at Louisville in the fall and appeared in 17 matches with the American Athletic Conference Champion Cardinals. In that time he scored two goals. In high school he was a two-time team MVP at Hallandale Beach High School in Hallandale, Florida.

Clark Phillips, a First-Team All-West Coast Conference selection, scored nine goals ( a team high) in 18 starts for Gonzaga this past fall plus one assist. Phillips has previous Premier Development League (PDL) experience. For the past two seasons he’s played with the Portland Timbers’ U23 team. He’s scored eight goals and added two assists during his time with the Timbers U23s.

Vance Rookwood finished his junior season at the University of Nebraska-Omaha this past fall and the Kingston, Jamiaca-native scored four goals in 15 matches, which tied him for the team lead. Three of his four goals in 2013 were game winners and one of those goals helped him earn Summit League Offensive Player of the Week honors for the week of September 9.

Billy Thompson appeared in three matches this season with West Coast Conference Champion Loyola Marymount in 2013. He allowed just three goals and went 2-0-1 in his three appearances. Thompson appeared in one match for FC Tucson, starting the club’s 2013 season opener against the Los Angeles Misioneros. FC Tucson drew that match, 1-1.

Christian Volesky, a Second-Team All-Missouri Valley Conference selection, scored a team high six goals in 18 matches for Southern Illinois-Edwardsville in 2013. Prior to the 2013 season, Volesky was one of 34 players to be named to the MAC Hermann Trophy watch list. The MAC Hermann Trophy is college soccer’s Heisman Trophy equivalent.

FC Tucson plays its first match of 2014 at the Kino Sports Complex North Stadium on Saturday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m. The 2014 FC Tucson Open House presented by Chapman Automotive will feature FC Tucson against national collegiate power University of New Mexico. Fans wearing FC Tucson gear or the Chapman Automotive logo, or fans who have season tickets, can get in for free. Tickets for others are just $5 and can be purchased at FCTucson.com.

Season tickets are also still available but seating is limited. Fans can purchase a basic package for just $80. Or they can join The Upper 90 Club for $120, which includes a pass to “Meet the Team Day,” a $10 concessions voucher, an FC Tucson merchandise item and an Upper 90 Club card that will be good for gameday discounts and future events. To purchase season tickets, just head to FCTucson.com.